Self-help with music

Listening to music is such a common thing for most people that they don't realize what a powerful self-help tool it can be if you use it systematically.

It's important to pay full attention when listening to music and to not do anything else. Making a space for your music in this way can help to create an 'island' for yourself. This ‘island’ offers a counterpoint to the often overwhelming outer world with its obligations, stresses, and constant pressures. In this sheltered space you can listen to your music and hear what it tells you about how you feel and what you need. You may suddenly notice how tense and agitated you actually are. Or maybe you feel that you would have preferred to say 'no' to something. These moments of listening can bring you more in touch with yourself and your needs of that moment and therefore bring more peace and clarity.

“Listening to music and feeling it with your heart brings you closer to yourself.”

— Henk (57)

Less anxiety, stress, and pain through music

Hans Jeekel, emeritus professor of surgery, has spent many years researching the influence of music before, during, and after surgery. His research has shown that patients need significantly less pain medication and sedatives during and after surgery when exposed to music. If the positive influence of music can continue to have an effect on the feelings of stress and pain a person experiences while under anaesthesia, imagine how powerful the influence of music is in reducing stress, anxiety and pain in our waking lives? In this short course you will learn how to use this systematically.

“Animals and children give you something that is pure nature. Music can do that too. Music has no judgment. It gives you some peace and confidence in yourself.”

— Annemarie (22)

Practical information

“Self-help with music” can be given individually or in a group and consists of five sessions.